Dream World in Bangkok

Dream World is an amusement park in Thanyaburi district, Pathum Thani province, Thailand. During the weekend, it opens at 10:00 am – 5:00 pm, weekdays and public holidays is 10:00 am – 7:00 pm. The park includes three roller coasters and rides for the whole family.


Attractions

The park has been divided into several zones with specific groups of rides such as Dream World Plaza, Dream Gardens, Fantasy Land, and Adventure Land.

The interior of this park is filled with over 40 imported thrill rides and family attractions. However, the park's main attractions is Asia's first hanging coaster located in the middle part of Adventure land, and a model of the Grand Canyon as part of a river rafting attraction.

Dream World Plaza

This includes the main entrance to the park and a copy of Disneyland's Main Street USA. It is filled with shops and buildings that are fantasy themed.

Dream Garden

Dream Garden is nature themed. This area surrounds a lake located right after Dream World Plaza, and is also the setting for the parade called "The Color of the World" on every weekend.

List of Main Attractions: Dream World Railroad , Cable Cars ,Speedy Mouse Coaster ,Water Tricycle
Racing Cars , 7 Wonders of the World, Love Garden

Fantasy Land

This area is filled with many different themes of fairy tales from all over the world. It is located in the middle of the park.

List of Main Attractions: Fantasy Garden, The Giant House, Sleeping Beauty's Castle, Hurricane the ride
The Spider, Uncle Tom's farm, 4D Adventure

Adventure Land

Adventure Land is the largest zone of the theme park. This area is filled with many thrill rides and attractions. This has a space and futuristic theme, unlike the jungle theme in Disneyland. There has been controversy over the music played in this area of the park due to the park's usage of songs containing obscene language despite the park's overall family-friendly image. The volume has also been cited as an area of scrutiny.

List of Main Attractions: Snow Town, Grand Canyon, Super Splash, The Thunderbird, Haunted Mansion
Crazy Bus, Monorail Tour, Bumper Boats, Antique Cars, Go Carts Track, Flying Carpet, Space Mountains
Sky Coaster (Hanging Coaster), Viking Ship, Bumper Cars, Flying Fishes, Hollywood's Action Show
Red Indian's Boat, Raptor, Tornado

Walking Street, Pattaya

Walking Street is part of the city of Pattaya, Thailand. It is a tourist attraction that draws foreigners and Thai nationals, primarily for the night life. It is a red-light district  with many go-go bars and brothels. The street runs from the south end of Beach Road to the Bali Hai Pier. A large video sign was erected in March 2010 at the Beach Road entrance, replacing an earlier metal arch, and a small arch adorns the Bali Hai entrance.

Walking Street is closed to vehicles from 6:00 pm to 2 am, and car parking is provided at the Bali Hai end. The area includes seafood restaurants, live music venues, beer bars, discothèques, sports bars, go-go bars, and nightclubs, and is illuminated at night by many colored neon signs. The closing time of 2:00 am has been extended for many entertainment establishments.

Safari Wolrd in Bangkok

Safari World is a zoo in Bangkok, Thailand that consists of two parks named Safari Park and Marine Park, operated by Safari World Public Company Limited. The park was opened in 1988 with a total area of 480 acres (190 ha) for its open zoo and 180 acres (73 ha) for its bird park. A major renovation to enhance effectiveness of land use began on April 17,1989 and its total area developed for the leisure park now consists of an open zoo and a marine park on 500 rai (approx.200acres) of land.

Safari Park

Safari Park is about 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) long. A drive through the park takes about 45 minute.The ultimate safari experience features hundreds of animals from all over the world. There are a lot of wild animals, including tigers and lions. There are daily tiger and lion feeding shows.

Marine Park

The Marine Park houses a vast spectrum of animal of land, sea and air. The attractions are Jungle Cruise river ride,a water flume ride through the jungle of Africa and Asia, 7 exciting show daily Spy War action stunt spectacular, water ski, dolphin, Hollywood cowboy stunt, bird, orang utan boxing and sea lion, hundreds of exhibits featuring white tigers, fantasy carp garden, tapir kingdom,and many others.

Songkran Festival

Having fun is a big part of Thai culture, and having fun amidst scorching heat is no exception. The hottest month of the year, April sees the entire country go bananas in friendly water fights and street parties that last nearly a week. During Songkran, most office buildings, banks as well as family-run shops and restaurants shut down completely, while big shopping malls usually remain open. Bangkok experiences a mass exodus, as at least half of its residents travel back to their home towns for family re-unions. In their place are tourists, who fly into Bangkok particularly to enjoy one of the most colourful and festive times of the year.


Songkran :

Before Thailand adopted the international New Year’s Day in 1940, Songkran was calculated based on the solar calendar, which varied from one year to the next. Now Songkran in Bangkok is from 13 to 15 April of every year. Depending on where you are in the country, the dates and period of festivities may vary.
Songkran is the occasion for family re-unions, temple visits and annual house cleaning. Many Thais observe the holidays by spending time with families and friends. Traditionally, Thais perform the Rod Nam Dum Hua ritual on the first day of Songkran, which is officially the National Elderly Day. During the ritual, young people would pour fragrant water into the elders’ palms as a gesture of humility and to ask for their blessings.

The second day of Songkran is officially the National Family Day. Families would wake up early and give alms to the monks, then ideally the rest of the day would be spent sharing quality family time together. An important religious ritual on Songkran is ‘Bathing the Buddha image’, in which devout Buddhists pour fragrant water over Buddha statues both at the temple and at home. More religious Thais would engage themselves in Buddhist ceremonies and merit-making activities throughout the holidays.

Water as a symbol :

Contradictory to what you may have witnessed throughout Songkran, fun-loving Thais don’t just throw water at each other for no good reason (besides having a kick out of seeing other people soaking wet). The real meaning behind the splashes is to symbolically wash off all misfortunes in the past year, thus welcoming the new year with a fresh new start.

Traditionally, Thais would politely pour a bowl of water on members of the family, their close friends and neighbours. As Songkran has taken a more festive note, a bowl becomes a bucket, garden hose and water guns, and the spirit of holiday merriment is shared amongst all town residents and tourists alike.

Where can we have fun :

Silom

Probably the largest and wildest crowd in Bangkok; The entire 5 km length of this street - mostly known for Patpong - is packed on two levels with thousands of young Thais carrying anything that can spray water. The best part is that you can enjoy the party in relatively dry surroundings by staying on the BTS sky walk that runs above the street. Relatively means that you should still carry any valuable items in a plastic bag. From up there you can witness the full extent of the game: a huge colorful crowd of smiling young Thais slowly walking between two rows of stalls selling water guns, food, soft drinks and of course, lots of beer. The highlight is to spot the firetrucks ambushed at each intersection with their incredibly powerful water hoses. The crowd is actually delighted to be hosed down as the heat can reach 40˚C in the sun.

Khao San Road

If you like the idea of getting soaked from head to toe in the middle of a wild party, be sure to drop by Khao San Road.

The entire length of Khao San Road is turned into an almighty water fight, and once you're in, you're going to get absolutely wet! There are police checkpoints set up at both ends of the street to confiscate bottles, cans and the white powder that is usually rubbed on people's faces. Don't worry though, you can buy all the alcohol you're likely to need inside one of the many bars that stay open throughout the festival, some with DJs set up inside plastic shelters and podiums for dancing. A word of advice though: be careful on the tiled floors that become like ice rinks because it's a fiarly common sight to see inebriated young tourists slipping, sliding and ending up with their whisky bucket all over the floor.

Phra Pradaeng District

If you prefer a more traditional Songkran, head over to Phra Pradaeng district where the Thai-Raman communities live out their Songkran traditions. Here, the celebrations take place about a week later than in central Bangkok and is filled with cultural significance. You will not only get splashed here, but also enjoy an array of cultural activities, such as the Thai-Ramn flag ceremony, ‘saba’ game, Raman dances, boat races, floral floats parade, and many more.

Sanam Luang

Sacred celebrations are held at Sanam Luang, opposite the Grand Palace. Here on the first day of Songkran the Buddha image 'Buddhasihing' is brought out from the National Museum and escorted along the streets for people to sprinkle water on.

The image is then located there for three days, so people who missed the procession can pay their respects. Other merit-making customs in Bangkok include the building of sand stupas which are then decorated with colourful flags and flowers. These can be seen around key temples in the Rattanokosin area.

Bangkok Transportation

Getting Around in Bangkok

 Tuk Tuk

Tuk-tuks or 'sam lor' (three-wheeled) used to be everyone's favourite way of getting around Bangkok before the BTS, MRT and colourful taxis took over. Originating from an old-fashioned rickshaw during the second World War, a tuk-tuk is essentially a rickshaw with a small engine fitted in.

Tuk-tuks have become one of Bangkok's most recognisable transportation features, and are still popular among tourists and visitors. Riding a tuk-tuk is more of an experience rather than a practical way to get around. So, if it's your first time in The Big Mango, there's no harm in giving it a go. Here are some tips to keep in mind before you wave one down:

- Fares vary, depending on the distance travelled, the time of the day, the traffic, and the mood of the drivers. Normally a very short trip will cost 30 baht.

- Fare negotiating and haggling is a must because the price named by the driver is always an 'inflated rate' (especially if you're a tourist). The trick is to negotiate 5 - 15 baht off the proposed fare, and take it from there.

- Be careful of the 'mafia' tuk-tuks around touristy areas, who often boasts privileged knowledge of 'secret' or 'special' shopping places and things. Some of them may offer sightseeing tours and unsolicited help to take you places. A short and sweet "no, thanks" will save you from their scams. The same rule applies to taxis.

- Avoid taking a tuk-tuk during peak hours (07:00 - 09:00, 16:00 - 19:00). You don't want to be stuck in traffic for hours, sweating and breathing in the hazardous fumes from engines all around you.

- Tuk-tuks are most ideal for short trips. (Sometimes it would cost the same, or even cheaper, to take a cab to the same destination.

Taxi

Besides the BTS and MRT, the easiest and most convenient way to get around Bangkok is by taxi. Most taxis are new, spacious and, in addition to the traditional green-yellow and red-blue, they also come in funky colours like bright orange, red and even pink. Finding a taxi is not a hassle, especially around hotels, shopping malls and other tourist attractions.
However, you're in for a really long wait when it rains, and during rush hours. The fare starts at 35 baht, and stays there for the first two kilometres. Thereafter, the fare gradually works its way up with 2 baht at a time (roughly per kilometre). A surcharge applies in traffic jams (1.25 baht per metre when moving under 6 km per hour). Typical taxi fares for going a few kilometres are around 50 baht. Communication can be a problem with the majority of Bangkok's taxi drivers as they often speak little English. Improvise, and be imaginative.
Overall, there's never a shortage of taxis in a city that never sleeps. They're cheap and available virtually 24 hours a day. Meter taxis now predominate, but sometimes you may have to politely ask them to switch the meter on to save negotiating later. Since taxis are cheap and the drivers work all hours in traffic that is legendary, a small tip is often appreciated.

 Motorbike Taxi

Indeed, one of the fastest ways to get around town when you're a solitary traveller is to jump on a motorbike taxi. By being able to dodge the almost constant gridlock and dart in and out between cars and buses, motorbikes are a quick way to get around, especially during rush hours. Considering Bangkok's notorious traffic conditions, it is probably also the most dangerous! Despite the immediate hazards - fearless motorbike taxi drivers will do anything to get you to your destination quickly, even if it means driving on sidewalks or in the opposing traffic lane! - many brave passengers opt for the two-wheeled vehicles to take them all over town.
Motorbike taxi drivers are easily recognised. Wearing numbered orange vests, groups of motorbike drivers can be spotted congregating in groups near street corners of office or shopping buildings, busy roads, smaller 'sois' (streets), and near Skytrain and underground stations. Fares will start from 10 baht for short journeys, and varies depending on how far you go. For certain routes, the fare will be fixed, and you'll sometimes see a board displaying prices. But make sure you negotiate prior to the journey, or else you might find yourself paying more than the locals. Always wear a safety helmet - not only for obvious reasons, but because foreigners are easy targets for spot fines (up to 1,000 baht, depending on the mood of the traffic officer).

 Bangkok Skytrain

The BTS is undoubtedly the swiftest way to get around. It's a cheap, smooth, cool, clean, fast and scenic way to enjoy Bangkok. Major shopping malls, Chatuchak Weekend Market, all Sukhumvit Road's attractions, and even the riverside are accessible by Skytrain.
Note that Service runs between 06:30 and midnight, and the trains can be packed during peak hours (07:00 - 09:00 and 16:00 - 19:00).

Bangkok Airport Train

The much-awaited Airport Rail Link (06:00-midnight) that connects downtown Bangkok with Suvarnabhumi International Airport is a smart alternative to the airport’s express buses or taxis. The two SA Express routes can get you to the airport (or downtown) in 15-18 minutes, so rest assured that you will make it to the boarding gate right on time. The City Line makes six stops between downtown (Phayathai Station) and the airport, completing each run in 30 minutes, which is also a great option for those with little luggage and who are not in a rush.
The Airport Rail Link connects you to the MRT underground at Makkasan City Interchange Station (MRT Petchaburi Station) and the BTS Skytrain at Phayathai Station. If you travel via Thai Airways International or Bangkok Airways, you can also check in your luggage at Makkasan.
From Bangkok International Airport (Suvarnabhumi), the entrance to the Airport Rail Link service is on the First Floor.

Bangkok MRT (Underground)

Fast and efficient, the Mass Rapid Transit network (MRT) serves 18 stations and stretches for 20 km in a horseshoe shape from Hua Lamphong in the South (near Chinatown) to Bang Sue in the north. Trains arrive every 5-7 minutes, and connect to the BTS Skytrain at Sukhumvit and Silom stations.
Stops of particular interest to visitors include Kampaengphet (Chatuchak Weekend Market, Or Tor Kor Market and Rod Fai Market), Sukhumvit (Asok BTS Skytrain), Silom (Saladaeng BTS Skytrain, Pat Pong Night Market and Lumpini Park) and Hua Lamphong (Chinatown and Central Railway Station). The Petchaburi Station is about 300m from the Airport Rail Link’s Makkasan Interchange Station, where you can board the express train to Suvarnabhumi International Airport.

Bangkok Train Station

Hua Lamphong Railway Station

 Hua Lamphong, or Bangkok Train Station, is the main terminal to northern, eastern, northeastern and southern Thailand. It connects with the MRT underground system and features a distinct half-dome structure, designed by an Italian architect Mario Tamagno in an Italian neo-renaissance style.
Open in 1916, Hua Lamphong boasts an elegant design, similar to several government buildings and public monuments built during the same period, such as the Ananta Samakhom Throne Hall, The Bank of Thailand Museum and Parliament building – all designed by the same architect.

Buses in Bangkok

Buses in Bangkok provide an incredibly cheap way to travel from one side of the city to another. It's also a great way to see the real Bangkok you don't often see if you're traveling by other means of transportation. Although buses give you a ringside seat to experience and observe the locals and the city, they're not the most favourite means of getting around. Obnoxious drivers, aggressive bus conductors, bad traffic, pollution and sweaty fellow passengers are some of the things you will inevitably encounter. But this is real, hardcore Bangkok.

Types of Buses & Fares

There are many types of buses available in Bangkok. Bus routes are very extensive too, and can be mind-boggling to first-timers. Make sure you first equip yourself with the MBTA map (available at most bus terminals). When in doubt, ask a local, or policemen, or call the '184' BMTA Hotline for assistance. Most buses (except for the all-night ones) run from 05:00 to 23:00 daily. Regular buses cost 7 baht (cream-red), and 8 baht (white-blue). Expressway buses costs 8.5 baht. Air-conditioned buses (cream-blue) cost from 9 to 19 baht (depending on the distance travelled). All-night buses (cream-red) are 8 baht. EURO II buses (yellow-orange) cost anything between 12 to 22 baht, depending on the distance travelled.

How to take a Bus: Useful tips

Since destinations on the majority of the city's buses are written in Thai, the best way for visitors to figure out which bus goes where is by the bus number, the type of bus and its colours. The BMTA bus map also comes in very handy. Don't be fooled by the buses with the same number but different colours; they don't always share the same route. Make sure you stick to the numbers that match the colours only. Things to keep in mind when taking a bus in Bangkok:
- The fare will be collected on the bus by the bus conductor.
- Prepare small change for the fare. A 100-baht note on an air-con bus is acceptable, but not so much on regular or smaller buses (500 and 1,000 baht notes are a big no-no).
- Keep the small receipt because sometimes it will be checked.
- On air-con buses, fares vary according to the distance. Just tell the bus conductor where you wish to get off, and he will tell you how much the journey will cost.
- On regular or smaller buses, the fare (around 7 - 8 baht, normally no more than 10 baht) is usually fixed.
- Be courteous and offer seats to small children, monks, the elderly and pregnant women.
- Once on the bus, keep walking inside. Don't stand at the door, or block the way in the middle of the bus.
- Make sure you hold on to the rail at all times because buses tend to be a bit 'jerky'.
- To alert the driver that you want to get off, press a buzzer in advance (before the bus reaches your stop).
- If you're not sure where to get off, ask the bus conductor to let you know.
- Always keep the name of your hotel and its address (or wherever you're staying) with you, preferably in Thai, in case you get lost.
- The newest, most efficient, and spacious bus is of the EURO II (yellow-orange). The drivers and conductors are nice and polite and, most importantly, the air-con works!

 

River Boats & Ferries in Bangkok

Boats are a great way to get around the famous riverside area with its many historical attractions, and to explore the 'klongs' (canals) for a glimpse of yesteryear Bangkok. Several kinds of boats (express boats, river taxis and tail-boats) run up and down the Chao Phraya River, connecting with the local suburbs on the Thonburi side and along the river, while ferries can be used to cross the river at various points.
There are different types of boats offering different services, and some of the express boats only stop at the main piers. If you simply want to cross the river, there are ferries which cost 2.5 baht, available at several boat landings. River taxis operate up and down the river and cost from around 6 baht, depending on the length of the journey. The Chao Phraya Express Boat Company offers a day pass for 75 baht with departures every 30 minutes from Sathorn Pier. It stops at ten major piers and provides access to attractions like Wat Arun (the Temple of Dawn) the Grand Palace, Wat Po and the Royal Barge Museum. Great value, considering that it includes a guide and drinking water! The Sathorn Pier can easily be reached by traveling with the Skytrain (BTS) to Saphan Taksin station.

Thailand Fruits

Being a tropical country, Thailand excels in the fruit department with exceptionally delicious sàp·Ъà·rót (pineapple), má·lá·gor (papaya) and đaang moh (watermelon) sold from ubiquitous vendor carts, often accompanied by a dipping mix of salt, sugar and ground chilli. You’ll find more exotic fruits sold in produce markets. The king of fruits is the spiky-shelled tú·ree·an (durian), an acridly pungent delicacy in Southeast Asia. The fruit smells so strong that it is banned from airlines, air-conditioned buses and some hotels.
Other seasonal fruits that you deserve to meet include creamy nóy nàh (custard apple), the Velcro tennis-ball shaped ngó (rambutan), the purplish skinned mang·kút (mangosteen), and the grape-shaped lá·mút (sapodilla)
and lam yai (longan).
Má·môo·ang (mangoes) come in a dozen varieties that are eaten at different stages of ripeness. Some are served green and crisp and taste like apples, while others are ripe and luscious and served in the intoxicating dessert kôw nĕe·o má·môo·ang (mangoes and sticky rice).

Durian ( Thurian )

Tangerine ( Som Khiao Wan )

Banana ( Kluai )

Guava ( Farang )

Dragon Fruit ( Kaeo Mangkon )

Lychee ( Linchi )

Pineapple ( Supparot )

Sugar Apple ( Noina )

Sala ( sala )

Papaya ( Malako )

Sweet Tamarind ( Ma-kham Wan )

Longan ( Lamyai )

Mangosteen ( Mangkhut )

Java Apple ( Chomphu )

Jack Fruit ( Khanun )

Passion Fruit ( Saowarot )

Pummelo ( Som-o )

Rambutan ( Ngo )

Star Fruit ( Mafuang )

Young Coconut ( Maphrao On )

Mango ( Mamuang )

Beer

 

There are several brands of beer in Thailand but they are largely indistinguishable in terms of taste and quality. The Singha label is considered the quintessential ‘Thai’ beer and like all others, is an alcohol-strong pilsner.
Pronounced sing (not ‘sing-ha’), it claims about half the domestic market, and has an alcohol content of 6%. Beer Chang matches the hoppy taste of Singha but pumps the alcohol content up to 7%. There are other varieties of beer,like Leo, that offer more alcohol for the baht. Dutch-licensed but Thailandbrewed
Heineken and Singapore’s Tiger brand are also popular selections. When in the company of Thais, beer is rarely consumed directly from the bottle but instead enjoys yet another communal ritual. Each drinker gets a
glass, filled with ice, into which the brew is poured. A toast goes round and the younger member of the group is usually in charge of keeping everyone’s glass filled with ice and beer. The ice helps keep the beverage cool in a hot climate and combats the dehydrating effects of a hangover.